Holden Man Arrested in Dumped Dogs Case

An anonymous tip has led to the arrest of a Holden man in a case in which over a dozen dogs were dumped near the Warrensburg Animal Shelter on Independence Day, July 4.

According to the Warrensburg Police Department, 14 dogs were found dumped near the Shelter, and since then, three more were located (one unfortunately did not make it and was hit by a train). Through collaborative efforts by Warrensburg Animal Control, Warrensburg Police Department, Warrensburg Parks & Recreation, and shelter staff, the dogs were rescued, and brought to the shelter for treatment and care. Most of the dogs are female and are possibly pregnant, it was noted at the time.

On Monday evening, Warrensburg Police Chief Lockhart explained how the arrest came about:

“One of my officers did some real good detective work and was able to identify, from an anonymous tip, the owner of the dogs, got ahold of him by telephone. He came in to the station on Sunday, gave us a statement. And today (Monday), we presented all that information to the prosecutor, who filed 16 counts of misdemeanor animal abandonment against Michale Ogle, 45, of Holden,” Chief Lockhart told KSIS.

“Through the course of the investigation, sheriff's deputies investigated the home in Holden, where there were additional animals. It doesn't look like those animals were neglected, but that case is still pending,” he noted, adding that additional charges may be filed.

The police chief suspected that it was a case of hoarding and neglect.

The surviving dogs will be available for adoption at some point, said.

“The outpouring of community support has been amazing,” Chief Lockhart said. “We had close to $2,500 in donations and supplies. We've had three groomers groom the dogs for free. They look fantastic. So they will be adoptable soon, we have to hold them in quarantine for a while, then we'll have them (available).”

Close to $1,000 has been raised for the dogs through a Go Fund Me page, he added.

He also credited Shelter Manager Sarah Patton for all her coordination efforts during the past several days. She's been fantastic, she did all the work,” he said.